NUTRITION&FOODPublished September9, 2015 By Angela Betsaida Laguipo

Myth Debunked: Coconut Oil Not Bad For Health, It’s Superfood

(Photo : Paula Bronstein / Getty Images News)

Coconut oil has long been dubbed as something that might cause detrimental and serious effects on the health. However, recent studies show that it is actually the opposite. This oil can actually promote health as it can lower cholesterol levels and enhance brain function.

In the past, coconut oil has been considered as unhealthy. In fact one of the myths in the past said that only virgin coconut oil is healthy and refined coconut oil is bad for the health. The truth is, all coconut oils are healthy. They contain high amounts of medium-chain fatty acids or triglycerides which are harder for the body to convert to fat rather than long-chain fatty acids or triglycerides. They also contain phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties.

In fact, coconut oil has many health benefits. Coconut oil can actually help in shedding off extra weight. It contains medium-chained triglycerides or fatty acids that help in weight loss because it increases the body's metabolic rate. It means it will help the body burn more energy that will aid in burning calories, Authority Nutrition reports.

In addition, coconut oil is good for the heart because it contains lauric acid which aids in preventing many heart problems like high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure. Moreover, it enhances the power of the immune system. It contains antimicrobial lipids, caprylic, and capric acid. These acids have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that ward off microorganisms that may cause illnesses, Medical News Today reports.

This oil also helps in maintaining thyroid function especially in people who are suffering from hypothyroidism, and it can be used in dressing wounds as well. Besides the fact that it has antimicrobial properties, it serves as a mechanical barrier to protect it from other contaminants.

Coconut oil is a superfood and with its nutritional value, it is gaining a lot of attention.